Tampa Police Crack Down on Illegal Gambling, Arrest Three

Florida law enforcement recently took down an illegal gambling venue that used to operate seven days a week. The takedown of the illegal gambling house was completed over the weekend and resulted in the arrest of three individuals.

The Illegal Gambling Bust to Serve as a Warning

Earlier this week, the Tampa Police Department uncovered details regarding the illegal gambling bust. Besides officers with the Department’s Street Anti-Crimes Squad, the operation was joined by K-9, SWAT Team and members of the Bomb Squad in the city.

The aforementioned operation was conducted at the All Stars Tampa Domino Club located at the 2300 block of W Waters Ave. The takedown of the illegal betting house comes after a year-long investigation. On site, law enforcement arrested a total of three individuals, a 67-year-old male identified with the initials M.P., a 32-year-old man identified with the initials C.P., as well as a 29-year-old man, whose initials are K.F.

Upon executing a search warrant, police uncovered and seized more than $12,000 in cash. A number of laptop computers, receipts and money-counting machines were also found and seized by law enforcement. In addition, police found a semi-automatic pistol which was seized as well.

Police Chief Lee Bercaw shared his excitement about the success of the operation against illegal betting. He said that the illegal gambling bust is a testament to the efforts of law enforcement officers in Tampa. “To anyone thinking about running an illegal gambling operation in Tampa, consider this your warning,” Bercaw said in conclusion.

“The success of this operation is a testament to the tireless work and attention to detail shown by our officers.“

Police Chief Lee Bercaw

The Suspects Face Racketeering, Gambling-Related Charges

After the arrest, all suspects face a range of charges. The 32-year-old man is against a total of seven charges, including one felony count for RICO violation, one felony count of bookmaking, one misdemeanor count for agent or employee of keeping a gambling house and four felony counts of betting on results of trial or contest of skill.

On the other hand, K.F., the youngest suspect of the group, is facing one felony count for RICO violation, one misdemeanor count for agent or employee of keeping of gambling house, one felony count of bookmaking and two felony counts of betting on results of trial or contest of skill.

Similar are the charges of M.P., the oldest suspect. The 67-year-old man is facing three charges, one felony count for RICO violation, one misdemeanor count for agent or employee of keeping of gambling house and one felony count of conspiracy to bookmake.

Law enforcement did not confirm whether or not any of the suspects is facing gun-related charges.

The takedown of the illegal betting house comes after in December 2023, police were notified about an alleged illegal gambling business at the aforementioned location. Throughout 2024, undercover agents visited the illegal gambling outlet, placed wagers and collected evidence. During the investigation, police also found that besides illegal bets, the venue was associated with a racketeering activity.